New Figures Highlight Benefits of Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme

Insurance data shows dogs bred under the scheme are less likely to need veterinary treatment

Responsible dog breeders who put the health of their puppies first could be saving puppy buyers thousands of pounds in vet fees and helping them get a dog that is more likely to live a healthy life.

Insurance claims data released by Agria Pet Insurance ahead of Puppy Awareness Week (12–18 September), has revealed that dogs bred by members of the only scheme in the UK dedicated to monitoring dog breeders, the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, are costing owners on average 18 per cent less in unplanned veterinary fees and are 23 per cent less likely to need to visit the vet.

Furthermore, among older dogs which may experience the health issues the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme specifically endeavours to breed away from, those bred by Assured Breeders are 34 per cent less likely to need veterinary treatment, resulting in vet bills that are 27 per cent less for their owners.

At a time when irresponsible ‘backstreet breeders’ and illegal puppy smugglers are becoming more common, and are exploiting the public’s affection for dogs by breeding and selling pups without any concern for their health and welfare, Agria’s analysis of claims data shows that the Assured Breeder Scheme is going a long way in protecting the health and welfare of Britain’s dogs, whilst helping to protect consumer rights by increasing the chance of puppy buyers getting a healthy pet.

Bill Lambert, Kennel Club Health and Breeder Services Manager, said: “The UK is being flooded with pups being bred by puppy farmers or smuggled in from Eastern Europe, and it is absolutely crucial that puppy buyers are aware of how to buy a puppy responsibly. This will not only help to protect them as consumers but will give them more chance of getting a healthy pet.

“We know that there are, of course, responsible breeders outside of the Assured Breeder Scheme, but it is the only way we can signpost puppy buyers to breeders who are doing everything they should be for their pups. If puppy buyers are not going to responsible breeders, they may be unwittingly adding to the problem, so it is crucial to do the proper research and only ever go to a good breeder, such as a Kennel Club Assured Breeder.

“We have long known that the Assured Breeder Scheme is helping to improve dog health and are delighted that Agria’s data shows just that.”

Simon Wheeler, Managing Director of Agria Pet Insurance, added: “Our figures are good news for anyone considering getting a dog, as they show that it is not just older dogs that have benefitted from the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme. We are also seeing noticeably lower claims costs for puppies, indicating that responsible breeding practices are reducing health issues that require veterinary treatment.”

The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme was established to promote the best breeding practice by working together with breeders and puppy buyers to force irresponsible breeders and puppy farmers out of business.

The Kennel Club is the only organisation in the country to be recognised and accredited by UKAS as an impartial and competent inspector to certify dog breeders. This offers the confidence to puppy buyers that Kennel Club Assured Breeders are committed to exceptional standards of care and welfare of their puppies, whereas this cannot be guaranteed outside of the scheme.

Working with Agria, the insurance provider that administers and underwrites Kennel Club Pet Insurance, the Kennel Club is able to monitor the progress of its Assured Breeder Scheme with empirical verification that the scheme is achieving its aims.